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Oncology nurse vs nurse

The differences between oncology nurses and nurses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an oncology nurse and a nurse. Additionally, an oncology nurse has an average salary of $72,372, which is higher than the $57,564 average annual salary of a nurse.

The top three skills for an oncology nurse include patients, chemotherapy and medical oncology. The most important skills for a nurse are patients, home health, and CPR.

Oncology nurse vs nurse overview

Oncology NurseNurse
Yearly salary$72,372$57,564
Hourly rate$34.79$27.68
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs584,649696,124
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Average age4444
Years of experience22

What does an oncology nurse do?

Oncology Nurses work with medical practitioners to take care of cancer patients in various settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.). The job requires compassion and personal fortitude to deal with their patients' suffering from such a profound illness. They are required to have an associate's degree in nursing and an RN license. Oncology Nurses provide professional care and coordinate the delivery of oncology treatments. They also take care of patients assigned to them in a medical oncology facility and ensure that hospital or department and University policies are followed.

What does a nurse do?

Nurses are medical professionals assigned to a specific department in the hospital and provide their trusted department services. Nurses are in charge of taking patients' medical histories, getting vital signs, preparing patients for checkups or procedures, explaining upcoming practices, answering any questions, and communicating any concerns to the assigned doctor. Nurses should ensure that patients follow the medical advice given to them. They also assist patients in completing administrative requirements, such as filling out forms, validating details, and endorsing payments.

Oncology nurse vs nurse salary

Oncology nurses and nurses have different pay scales, as shown below.

Oncology NurseNurse
Average salary$72,372$57,564
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $127,000Between $38,000 And $86,000
Highest paying CityCarmichael, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyWashington Hospital Healthcare SystemConviva
Best paying industryHealth CareGovernment

Differences between oncology nurse and nurse education

There are a few differences between an oncology nurse and a nurse in terms of educational background:

Oncology NurseNurse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Oncology nurse vs nurse demographics

Here are the differences between oncology nurses' and nurses' demographics:

Oncology NurseNurse
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 8.9% Female, 91.1%Male, 14.0% Female, 86.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between oncology nurse and nurse duties and responsibilities

Oncology nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response and record care plans accordingly.
  • Gain significant experience in diverse areas of nursing process for oncology and transplant patients; administer chemotherapy and blood products.
  • Initiate CPR on nonresponsive patients.
  • Provide intravenous therapy in a home bound setting to include simple chemo therapy and PICC care along with other VADS.
  • Provide professional nursing care for patients as it relates to provider orders and chemotherapy administration and education.
  • Provide care to rehabilitation patients on rehab unit assist in activities of daily living, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
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Nurse example responsibilities.

  • Monitor patients' status during surgery (circulate in operating room) and manage patients in PACU.
  • Manage high-acuity cardiac/pulmonary and psychiatric patients
  • Monitor patients for cardiac rhythm changes and implement medication according to ACLS guidelines.
  • Educate patients and families on diseases processes, medications, wind care, and iv infusion.
  • Provide care for patients on medical/surgical, transplant, cardiac, orthopedic, postpartum, neonatal ICU, and psychiatric units
  • Demonstrate competence in CPR and other medical emergency situations.
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Oncology nurse vs nurse skills

Common oncology nurse skills
  • Patients, 34%
  • Chemotherapy, 7%
  • Medical Oncology, 5%
  • Patient Education, 4%
  • Hematology Oncology, 3%
  • Patient Outcomes, 3%
Common nurse skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • Home Health, 7%
  • CPR, 6%
  • BLS, 6%
  • Acute Care, 5%
  • Acls, 4%

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